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Fruit & Citrus
Key Lime Tree (Thornless)
Will it grow where you live?
Zones 9-11 outdoors; or Zones 4–8 if overwintered indoors.
Can't ship to your state. Due to USDA and state agriculture regulations.
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Can't ship to California, Florida, or Georgia.
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1-year guaranteeShips in 1–5 daysReal plant experts
From our farm to your front door
- Shipped in its nursery pot, so the roots stay undisturbed
- Root ball wrapped and zip-tied so the soil stays put
- Packed so the tree stays steady on the way to you
At a glance
- Sunlight
- Full Sun
- Water
- When the top 2" of soil is dry
- Growth & size
- Moderate growth rate; reaches mature height of 6-13 feet and a width of 6-8 feet when planted in-ground. Smaller if container-grown.
Sizing: Our fruit and citrus trees are primarily utilized as outdoor patio or indoor plants and are potted. Accordingly, we measure our fruit and citrus trees from the bottom of the pot to the top of the tree for accuracy. - Botanical name
- Citrus × aurantiifolia
- Hardiness
- Zones 9-11 outdoors; or Zones 4–8 if overwintered indoors.
- Tolerates
- Heat tolerantHumidity tolerantCoastal tolerant
Where it grows in the groundShaded areas are the zones where it can be planted outdoors.
Not sure it'll thrive where you live?Real people who answer questions before and after planting.
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Size guide & what arrives
Size Facts
| *Trade size | **Pot size |
|---|---|
| 1 gallon | 6" |
| 3 gallon | 8 to 10" |
| 5 gallon | 10 to 12" |
| 7 gallon | 14" |
| 10 gallon | 15 to 17" |
| 15 gallon | 17" |
| "Jumbo" | 7 or 10 or 15 gallon |
*Nursery gallon sizes are trade sizes and do not equal standard liquid gallons.
**Pot sizes in inches refer to container width (diameter), not plant or pot height.
Please note: Sizing can differ between plant varieties and growers. Please chat with us if you need clarification.
For more information on sizing, please see our sizing guide.
What arrives
Good to know
Although this tree is thornless, regular care and attention will help keep the fruit and foliage in great condition.
*We cannot guarantee the Key Lime Tree you receive will already be bearing fruit. This depends on the season and the overall growth pattern of the tree.
What customers are saying
4.9
out of 5 · 13 verified reviews
rated it 4 or 5 stars
Why customers love it
Fruit you grow yourself
Fresh citrus from your own patio or sunny window.
Grows in a pot
Patio in summer, sunny window in winter.
Fragrant blooms
White blossoms with a sweet citrus scent.
Healthy, well-rooted trees
Hand-selected from trusted growers and shipped to your door.
Care made simple
If you can keep a houseplant happy, you can grow citrus.
Sun
6–8 hrs direct
A sunny patio, or your brightest window in winter.
Water
When the top 2" of soil is dry
Water slowly and deeply. Skip it if the soil still feels moist.
Feed
3 times a year
Citrus fertilizer in early spring, mid-summer and early fall.
Cold
Inside below 32°F
Bring the pot indoors before a freeze.
Your first year together
- 1Day 1
Unbox and water slowly until the whole root ball is soaked.
- 2First few weeks
A few dropped leaves is normal while it settles in.
- 3Month 3
First feeding. Hold off on fertilizer until then.
- 4Spring
Fragrant white blooms.
- 5Harvest season
Pick fruit when it is fully colored and gives a little.
Planting instructions
In-ground planting: Select a sunny location with well-draining soil. Dig a hole that is twice the width and the same depth as the tree's root ball. Place the Key Lime tree in the hole, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface. Refill the hole, gently patting down the soil to eliminate air pockets. Water thoroughly after planting. For the initial weeks, monitor the soil moisture to ensure consistent hydration, helping the tree establish its roots.
Container planting: Choose a spacious container (18-24 inches in diameter) with good drainage. Use a citrus-specific, well-draining potting mix, filling the container partway. Gently position the Key Lime tree so the top of its root ball sits an inch below the pot's rim, then add soil around it, pressing lightly. Water thoroughly until excess drains out and place in a location with 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Monitor moisture to keep the soil consistently damp but not waterlogged. Feed with a balanced, slow-release citrus fertilizer as per label instructions and consider repotting or refreshing the soil every 2-3 years.
Container planting: Choose a spacious container (18-24 inches in diameter) with good drainage. Use a citrus-specific, well-draining potting mix, filling the container partway. Gently position the Key Lime tree so the top of its root ball sits an inch below the pot's rim, then add soil around it, pressing lightly. Water thoroughly until excess drains out and place in a location with 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Monitor moisture to keep the soil consistently damp but not waterlogged. Feed with a balanced, slow-release citrus fertilizer as per label instructions and consider repotting or refreshing the soil every 2-3 years.
Watering & sunlight
Watering needs are never one-size-fits-all. Weather, soil type, drainage, plant size, and planting time all affect how quickly a plant dries out.
Use a slow-running hose, soaker hose, or drip system to water the root ball and surrounding root zone thoroughly. Allow the water to penetrate deeply (not just wet the top few inches of soil), and avoid frequent, shallow watering.
Before watering again, check the soil 2 inches deep near the root ball. If it feels dry, repeat this deep-watering process. If it feels moist or soggy, wait and check again in 1–2 days. Check the soil of newly planted trees and shrubs several times per week, especially during hot, dry, or windy weather.
Irrigation run times will vary based on flow rate, soil, and system setup.
Need help? Contact our plant experts for watering guidance tailored to your plant and growing conditions.
Key Lime tree flourishes under full sun, as it promotes vigorous growth and a bountiful fruit yield.
Use a slow-running hose, soaker hose, or drip system to water the root ball and surrounding root zone thoroughly. Allow the water to penetrate deeply (not just wet the top few inches of soil), and avoid frequent, shallow watering.
Before watering again, check the soil 2 inches deep near the root ball. If it feels dry, repeat this deep-watering process. If it feels moist or soggy, wait and check again in 1–2 days. Check the soil of newly planted trees and shrubs several times per week, especially during hot, dry, or windy weather.
Irrigation run times will vary based on flow rate, soil, and system setup.
Need help? Contact our plant experts for watering guidance tailored to your plant and growing conditions.
Key Lime tree flourishes under full sun, as it promotes vigorous growth and a bountiful fruit yield.
Pruning, feeding & winter care
What does "Jumbo" mean?
Shipping & what's inside
Your tree ships in its nursery pot with the root ball wrapped in a protective liner and zip-tied, so the soil stays in and the tree stays steady.
1-year guarantee
Every tree is covered by our 1-year guarantee. If something goes wrong, contact our team and we'll walk you through it.
Answered by Simply Trees plant expertsHow big does the Key Lime tree get?
Key Lime trees typically reach a height of 6 to 12 feet and a spread of 6 to 10 feet when fully mature. However, the actual size of a Key Lime tree can vary depending on factors such as growing conditions, care practices, and pruning. With proper care and maintenance, including regular pruning to control size and shape, Key Lime trees can be kept smaller and more manageable for home gardens or container planting.
How fast do Key Lime trees grow?
Key Lime trees are moderate growers, typically adding about 1 to 2 feet per year under ideal conditions.
Where is the best place to put the Key Lime tree?
The best place to plant a Key Lime tree is in a location that receives plenty of sunlight. Key Lime trees thrive in full sun, so choose a spot in your garden or yard that gets at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day. Additionally, make sure the location has well-draining soil to prevent waterlogging, as Key Lime trees are sensitive to waterlogged conditions. Planting in a sheltered area, protected from strong winds, can also help promote healthy growth and fruit production. If you're growing the Key Lime tree in a container, place it in a sunny spot on a patio or balcony where it can receive ample sunlight throughout the day.
How long does it take for the Key Lime tree bear fruit?
The time it takes for a Key Lime tree to bear fruit can vary depending on several factors, including the tree's age, health, growing conditions, and variety. In general, Key Lime trees typically start producing fruit within 2 to 3 years after planting, although it can sometimes take longer. Proper care, including adequate sunlight, watering, fertilization, and protection from pests and diseases, can help promote earlier fruiting. Additionally, grafted trees tend to produce fruit more quickly than those grown from seed.
Do you need 2 Key Lime trees?
Key Lime trees are self-pollinating, meaning they don't require another tree for pollination to produce fruit. Therefore, you typically don't need to plant multiple Key Lime trees to ensure fruit set. However, having more than one tree can increase cross-pollination opportunities, potentially leading to higher fruit yields. Additionally, having multiple trees can provide aesthetic benefits and increase the chances of having a continuous harvest throughout the fruiting season. Ultimately, whether you choose to plant one or multiple Key Lime trees depends on your preferences, available space, and desired fruit yield.
How many times a year do Key Lime trees bear fruit?
Key Lime trees typically produce fruit once or twice a year, depending on various factors such as climate, growing conditions, and tree health. In optimal conditions, they may bear fruit continuously throughout the year, with the main fruiting periods occurring in late winter to early spring and again in late summer to early fall. However, the exact frequency of fruit production can vary. It's essential to provide proper care, including adequate sunlight, water, nutrients, and protection from pests and diseases, to encourage consistent fruiting.
How cold can Key Lime trees tolerate?
Key Lime trees are sensitive to cold temperatures and cannot tolerate frost. They thrive in warm, tropical to subtropical climates and prefer temperatures between 70°F to 100°F (21°C to 38°C).
While mature Key Lime trees can withstand brief periods of temperatures slightly below freezing (down to about 28°F to 32°F or -2°C to 0°C) for short durations, prolonged exposure to cold temperatures or frost can damage or kill the tree.
To protect Key Lime trees from cold snaps or frost, it's advisable to take preventive measures such as covering the tree with frost cloth, providing supplemental heat with outdoor heaters, or moving potted trees indoors during cold weather. Additionally, planting Key Lime trees in sheltered locations or microclimates can help mitigate the effects of cold weather.
While mature Key Lime trees can withstand brief periods of temperatures slightly below freezing (down to about 28°F to 32°F or -2°C to 0°C) for short durations, prolonged exposure to cold temperatures or frost can damage or kill the tree.
To protect Key Lime trees from cold snaps or frost, it's advisable to take preventive measures such as covering the tree with frost cloth, providing supplemental heat with outdoor heaters, or moving potted trees indoors during cold weather. Additionally, planting Key Lime trees in sheltered locations or microclimates can help mitigate the effects of cold weather.
What size pot should I get for the Key Lime tree?
The recommended pot size for a Key Lime Tree depends on the size you select, as larger trees need more root space to support healthy growth and fruit production.
• 3–4 ft, 4–5 ft, and 5–6 ft (3-gallon nursery pot, ~11 inches wide and tall):
We recommend planting in a container that is 16–24 inches wide and deep. This gives citrus roots ample room to grow, helps regulate moisture, and reduces the need to repot again too soon.
• 5–6 ft Jumbo (10-gallon nursery pot, ~15–17 inches wide and tall):
We recommend a container that is 24–26 inches wide and deep to support the larger root system and provide stability for the taller tree.
Important potting note:
Key Lime Trees must be planted in containers with drainage holes. Citrus trees are sensitive to excess moisture and do best in a well-draining citrus soil mix. Choosing the correct pot size helps prevent overwatering, supports strong root development, and promotes long-term container success.
• 3–4 ft, 4–5 ft, and 5–6 ft (3-gallon nursery pot, ~11 inches wide and tall):
We recommend planting in a container that is 16–24 inches wide and deep. This gives citrus roots ample room to grow, helps regulate moisture, and reduces the need to repot again too soon.
• 5–6 ft Jumbo (10-gallon nursery pot, ~15–17 inches wide and tall):
We recommend a container that is 24–26 inches wide and deep to support the larger root system and provide stability for the taller tree.
Important potting note:
Key Lime Trees must be planted in containers with drainage holes. Citrus trees are sensitive to excess moisture and do best in a well-draining citrus soil mix. Choosing the correct pot size helps prevent overwatering, supports strong root development, and promotes long-term container success.
How long does it take for Key Limes to ripen?
Key limes typically take about 3 to 4 months to ripen after the flowers have been pollinated. The exact timing can vary depending on factors such as climate, growing conditions, and specific cultivar. Generally, key limes are ready for harvest when they turn pale yellow and develop a slightly soft texture. However, they can be harvested earlier if you prefer a more tart flavor, or left on the tree longer for a sweeter taste. It's essential to monitor the fruits closely and harvest them when they reach the desired size, color, and taste.
What is the best fertilizer for the Key Lime tree?
For Key Lime trees, it's best to use a fertilizer specifically formulated for citrus trees. Look for a fertilizer labeled for citrus or fruit trees, preferably one with a balanced N-P-K (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium) ratio, along with micronutrients like iron, zinc, and magnesium. These nutrients support healthy growth, fruit production, and overall plant vigor. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for application rates and frequency, typically applied during the growing season from spring to early fall. Additionally, consider using organic fertilizers or slow-release formulations for sustainable, long-term soil health.
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